Rick Diesmone of Rick & Nancy’s Window Fashions

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A community staple since 1992, Rick & Nancy’s Window Fashions has been helping the South Florida community dress their windows for more than two decades. Owner Rick Diesmone grew up in the business, helping his father, who started the first drapery store in Perrine in the 50s. We spoke to the industry vet to find out what’s hot, what’s not and what’s standing the test of time. Says Diesmone of his chosen profession, “It’s what we’re good at.”

Tell me what you’re seeing with recent customers?

The biggest trends with window treatments are the California shutters; the wide-blade shutters. People love those. It’s probably 50 percent of what we’re doing now. People are also very interested in the poly-wood. It’s going to last two-to-three times longer than anything else and it doesn’t go out of style. The poly-wood is completely cleanable, it doesn’t have the upkeep of real wood, and it gives that clean, light-colored look that people really favor. I don’t see the demand slowing down.

What’s new as far as product innovation?

When it comes to shades and blinds the industry is trying to get away from cords or pulls. It’s a safety concern. Hunter Douglas has been very innovative in that area. You can basically get anything cordless these days. In fact, many of the newer shades will have a built-in gear so with just the touch of a finger you can open the shade and it will stay in place.

What do you see as the next big trend?

The biggest thing in the next five-to-ten years will be a turn toward making everything remote. Every developer is introducing smart homes, with all the controls of the home accessible via computer or smart phone. It’s great because you can control shades when you’re out of town or have them set to shift according to the light. It’s going to become more and more prevalent and become more affordable over the next few years.

What’s unique to South Florida as far as window fashions?

Well, and I would guess it’s the same in places like Southern California, people want to keep the light and bright feel of their home while keeping out the heat. To that end the big craze has been sheer weave shades. They’re made to stop 99 percent of the UV and heat from coming in without covering up the views or blocking the light. You can have the best of both worlds; you get the sunlight but control the heat.

What about drapes? Are they a thing of the past?

No! Not at all. It’s actually bouncing back. A lot of people are doing shades and blinds but then dressing up their windows with accents of material or side panels. A really modern way to do that is with a ripple fold—it’s sort of an updated version of a pleated fold. It will give the windows a little something extra and dress them up. You always have to have that extra accent. We’ll always send someone out to look at the home and then make suggestions as to what will work within the space and with the windows. I’ve been doing jobs out on Key Biscayne and they don’t want the look of shades. Some people just love drapes.

Rick & Nancy’s Window Fashions can be found at 8781 SW 132nd St, Miami, FL 33176. You can find them online at rickandnancyswindowfashions.com or for more information call 305-255-6991.